I finally used up my supply of 7.62 LC Match ammo and it's time to start reloading for the M1-A. Any of you guys load for this rifle? Looking for a 'standard load' for the 168 gr Sierra MatchKing #2200 and IMR-4895 using the LC Match cases. The M1-A has a limited range of velocity for proper function that does not dammage the moving parts so I do not need bolt action loads (thanks anyhow).

popgun,
Several shooters at our matches load for the M1A and do very well over the course. You are correct about moderate loads of IMR4895 or IMR4064 working best. The slower powders may damage the rifle. WE have a match tomorrow and I will ask the folks what they are loading. All the best...
Gil

Hi Gill,
Thanks and I look forward to the info you get.
Chris

I spoke with some of the shooters and most are using IMR4895, IMR4064 or Winchester 748 in their .308 reloads and report satisfactory results. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

Hi Gil,
Thanks for checking with them. I was curious to see if they had a 'standard load' that works in M1-A's. I have seen such standard loads posted on the net somewhere but have not found the info yet. Still looking for it. I have a supply of IMR-4895 so I will probably start there and see how the rounds perform in the rifle. I just don't want to rattle the rifle too much and dammage the moving parts. I did try some IMR-4064 and it started to rattle the rifle as the accuracy was just starting to show up. The 4064 does work great in a Styre Match bolt rifle that I have.
So it looks like it is off to the range time to do some load work with IMR-4895. If I find a good load I will order a jug from Jeff Bartlet if he still has it in stock.
Take care,
Chris

The Speer Manual indicates those loads recommended for gas operated weapons. These loads match the pressure curve that will not damage the op rod. When the pressure curve doesn't match the design specs the op rod is the first item to break and without it you are up the creek. I'll pm you the loads that they have listed so you will have a starting point.

Thank you, I will watch the pm box for the info.

Popgun,

Most M 1A riflels shoot well with 41.5g of IMR 4895 and the 168g SMK. You are looking for a velocity of about 2650 fps. I ran out of IMR 4895 and experimented with H-4895 and ended up using 41.2 g of it to obtain 2650 fps. Both these loads work well for me, but each gun is diferent. You should be aware that SLAMFIRE can be a concern when loading for the M1A type rifle. You will have to swage the primer pockets to remove the crimp before seating the primers. RCBS has a kit for this. You should also use the Stoney Point Headspace Guage to check your brass. I am using the CCI # 34 primers, they are harder than the regular CCI primers and are recomended for this type rifle. Hope this helps to get you started.

Good luck

Rich

Quote::

Most M 1A riflels shoot well with 41.5g of IMR 4895 and the 168g SMK. You are looking for a velocity of about 2650 fps. I ran out of IMR 4895 and experimented with H-4895 and ended up using 41.2 g of it to obtain 2650 fps. Both these loads work well for me, but each gun is diferent. You should be aware that SLAMFIRE can be a concern when loading for the M1A type rifle. You will have to swage the primer pockets to remove the crimp before seating the primers. RCBS has a kit for this. You should also use the Stoney Point Headspace Guage to check your brass. I am using the CCI # 34 primers, they are harder than the regular CCI primers and are recomended for this type rifle. Hope this helps to get you started.

Rich,
Thank you for the load info and the 'target' velocity. I have tried for a long time to find the #34 primers at gun shows but so far I have not had any luck finding them. So, I just seat BR primers and check each case to make sure the primers are fully seated. I have the primer pocket swager's and have no problems seating the primers.
Thanks again!
Chris

Hi

Hey, Popgun: Looking for some reloading boxes?

Some time ago, I found some .308 reloading/storage boxes for sale in my price range (somewhere about 2/3rds of the way from, 'badly-wounded,' to, 'dead,' cheap): A couple of bucks per unit.

I thought I was buying three boxes.

I was buying THREE CASES of TEN BOXES EACH, at a couple of bucks per CASE!

They're Frankford Arsenal .243-.308, 50 round per box, clear blue boxes with flexible hinges. They're well-built and close and latch tightly, and they're stackable, but they don't lock up when stacking, so they're tectonically unstable.

If you want a box... or two... or a case of 10... or two... just lemme know. Pay the shipping, and they're yours.

You are a mind reader, I have 'lots' of 308, 243, and 22-250 laying around in plastic baggies. I will pay shipping on them and could use two cases if you have no use for them. If you want more than shipping let me know.

Contact me by email and we can swap mailing address's

Thanks,
Chris

Hi

E-mail sent with address and 'phone number.

Coming soon to a computer near YOU!

Return e-mail sent and Thank you!

Hi

Drat - almost 20 minutes gone and NO JOY! Well - no E-mail, anyhow!!

Try it again, would you, do give me a quick call, whichever seems more appropriate at this point.